Securing a reservation at New York’s most sought-after restaurants has become increasingly challenging, reflecting a notable shift in dining culture over the past three years. What used to be a competitive endeavor has transformed into a nearly inaccessible feat for many culinary enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, highlighted the struggle, stating that even restaurant owners lack strategies for guests seeking reservations. “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into,” he remarked during an interview with Bloomberg.
To combat this issue, New York’s legislature recently voted to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to resell restaurant reservations for hefty sums, sometimes exceeding $200. This escalation mirrors ticket scalping practices typically associated with concerts and sporting events. Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, described this legislative action as a “major victory for the hospitality industry,” aiming to reduce reservation competition and protect restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these measures, the hunger for exclusive and trendy dining experiences remains high, far exceeding availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted that post-COVID, nearly every restaurant, plane, and hotel is overcrowded. “So how do you navigate getting people into restaurants, hotels, and yachts that are already booked up?” she asked.
With 16 years of experience managing Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning business for affluent clients, including notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey, India understands the dynamics of reservation access. She emphasized that success in securing tables at popular venues hinges on recognizing customers’ desires and nurturing relationships with restaurant staff.
“The focus has shifted from fine dining to trendy spots, where the experience often transcends the food itself,” India observed. “It’s about being able to say you got in; it’s a bragging right.”
For those determined to secure coveted reservations, a list of the hardest-to-get tables in New York, compiled by Sienna Charles, awaits further exploration.